Happy Friday everyone! Today’s Magic word of inspiration from Lisa-Jo the word HERE. Who knows what will come of today’s word-that is the fun and mystery of it! Today’s writing came out less poem-ish, and maybe more like prose. Take a moment to relax in the here and now with me :). Let’s go!
Go
Living in the Here and Now
We spend so much time in the past or present , instead of the Here and Now.
Worrying about what tomorrow brings,
Wondering if we can handle the bumps in the road.
Stressing over all the things that must be done,
Making mental lists.
Thinking of the past,
Maybe even wondering what might have been. —
Paths not taken,
Opportunities missed
Relationships left behind or never pursued,
Lost loved ones.
Choices made,
Some we are glad about-
Some we may regret.
It’s hard to have peace when focusing our energies in places that don’t exist–
in the present.
For all we really have is the HERE and now.
And this my friends, is where Peace lives.
If I leave all worries and fears behind (even relevant, current concerns)-
If I brush away old cobwebs of memories that lurk in dark corners waiting to steal my joy,
And allow myself to be fully present in the Here and Now,
This is what I see-
Freshly painted fingernails in lilac-my favorite flower.
The quiet and stillness of “after midnight” in a warm and cozy home ,
Contrasting to the sound of cold rain softly beating on the window next to the chair where I sit writing-
Setting the perfect stage for words to form on stark white pages.
A rainbow colored ball of yarn at my feet,
Waiting for my fingers to resume knitting the next prayer shawl to be shipped as a surprise to brighten someone’s day.
A cart full of art supplies-painting books and brushes, watercolor pencils and paints,
And even crayons and coloring books 🙂
A paperback book on the nightstand called “The Peach Keeper” ,
Waiting for me to crack it open under covers (in bed) with my book-light.
Two adorable kittens called Micky & Minnie (We Live Inspired’s Mascots),
Whose birth I had the joy of witnessing when I saved them and their mama from the feral cat colony 8.5 months ago.
(They are at present running back and forth in the living room as fast as they can :))
And their little mama Fluffy (she is quite petite) with her pink little nose and sweet expression.
They are the epitome of living fully present in the Here and Now-
Animals and young children teach it best.
When we take time to slow down and become AWARE,
of what really surrounds us -of what is really happening in the Here and Now,
All of the other stuff just melts away.
As we revel in the multitude of blessings ,
And abundant gifts that are ours for the taking.
(that is why it is called “the Present!”).
Yes, all is well in the Here and Now. 🙂
Stop
© Rebekah Ann Stephenson 2013
It’s all a matter of perspective my friends-it’s what we choose to focus on. I am guilty of letting the worry monster take over sometimes (it’s so easy to do when we focus on what is wrong, instead of what is right). Will you take a moment of quiet meditation with me? As you read today’s writing, try slowing down and letting the past and future melt away. Become fully aware of what wonderful things surround you in the present. Notice the smallest of blessings around you in the room where you sit (maybe you are wearing an outfit you love, or a pet is sitting near you, hey- even if there is food in the fridge to be grateful for!) Think of the blessings in your life. What “gifts” do you see?
While you are at it- If you leave a comment for me today, could you share one gift that you see in the “present” with me?
Two of my little “gifts”. Mickey and Minnie at 1 Week Old. (to see full size image click on photo)
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This is lovely Rebekah! It resonated with me–especially the line about making mental list. Except I make paper lists. for everything. all the time. thankfully, one of those lists is a list of graces falling into my life. Today, I see my dear friends that I have here in India while I’m away from home. Makes the homesickness much easier!
Thank you Bethany! Typically I respond right away, but it’s been a crazy week and I am just now getting around to reading those FMF’s. I make mental AND paper lists too 🙂 I prefer to do the whole paper list thing as then I can get it off my brain and go to bed haha. I also have a list of graces (a gratitude journal to be exact.) What a blessing to see dear friends! I hope you enjoyed your time with them.
Thank for this – I needed it. There are things about the now that are not so happy but they only entice me to live in the past or the possible worries of tomorrow. But here, right here, I can choose joy and focus on my blessings.
You are so welcome. Me too for that matter! Thank goodness we can choose joy. Hugs!
O’ yes, I will take a moment of quiet meditation with you, Rebekah. Right here. Right now.
Thank you.
Ahhhhh. Such a peace-fulllll place to BE.
I am glad you took some time to meditate with me Paula 🙂 Doesn’t it feel nice? 😀 Had a busy week and reading the FMF’s late this time. Will get to yours soon. Hope your week got off to a good start.
Amen, such truth spoken here.
Enjoying the here of a bunch lilacs from Whole Foods brighten my day and give the Farmer a new challenge to try to propagate
My favorite flower!! I can’t wait until our lilacs come in bloom. It should be only a couple of weeks! Isn’t the scent wonderful? Sounds like a wonderful gift to appreciate. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful words with us. Early this morning I am simply enjoying the here of a quiet house and time to spend reading.
You are more than welcome 🙂 . Quiet time to read, that DOES sound nice! Thanks for sharing a blessing in your here and now. Getting around to reading these late after a hectic weekend. Will stop by your place soon 😉
Tell me about it~
Exams + other deadlines + events coming up makes me
get all jittery cause I’m usually quite laid back but I can’t.
When I read the first part of your poem,
I read it real fast, (shorter sentences) and yes, I was feeling anxious and could relate haha 🙂
I can’t wait till I’m less busy so I can reply your email properly 🙂 Hope you’re doing well, and I did manage to paint on canvas with makeup 🙂 So that’s one joy, the gift of colours to calm one’s mood 🙂
Will post a picture for you to see soon! 🙂 xoxo
Me too Esther- I have a laid back quality to myself as well, but when I get overwhelmed, that can be quite a diff. story! I am sure you will be glad for things to slow down. I like a slower pace myself…maybe a medium pace (as then I at least feel productive 😉 ). WOOHOO!! I SO want to see the makeup painting on canvas. I have never thought to do that, and with my artsy nature I am intrigued. Can’t wait to see the photo. Thanks for sharing a joy..playing with colors gets me all calm and joyful too. <3